Context:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin cited a recent archaeological report claiming that Iron Age began on Tamil soil as long ago as 5,300 years (4th millennium BCE). This contravenes existing narratives and emphasizes Tamil Nadu’s role in history; it is a central element in the history of the Indian subcontinent.
…. Earlier Views on Iron in India
- Theories
- Iron began to be used in India from the 700-600 BCE. Some others hinted it brought by the Western immigrants.
- New Proves
- Radiocarbon dating pushed further this. Research said Uttar Pradesh had excellent iron smelting by 13th century BCE.
- Findings in the Ganga Plain
- Excavations at the Raja Nala ka tila, Malhar, and Dadupur (1996-2001) yielded evidence of iron smelting between 1800 and 1000 BCE.
Iron in the Archaeological Record of Tamil Nadu
- Mayiladumparai Excavation (2022)
- In an earlier study, Iron Age was placed at a Tamil Nadu date of 4,200 years (third millennium BCE), coinciding with the Bronze Age in North India.
- New Report
- As per the latest study, Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu, iron use in Tamil Nadu was as early as 3,345-2,953 BCE.
- Key Finding
- Areas under direct Copper Age in the northern regions seem to have moved directly from the Copper Age into Iron Age in Tamil Nadu, as not much copper was available.
Implications and Future Research
- Broadening Tamil History
- This research opens a window for further studies on technological advancement and cultural evolution in Tamil civilization.
The new discovery alters perspectives regarding the historical use of iron in India. There is still a lot to learn about how much further reaching this could be; for now, however, Tamil Nadu’s role in early metallurgy can be considered settled, warranting additional investigations into the ancient heritage in terms of technology and culture.
